Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) under BIS

BIS Standard Mark (with R-number) used on certified electronic products. The Bureau of

Indian Standards (BIS) introduced the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) to ensure

that certain electronics and IT goods meet Indian safety, performance and quality

standards. Under CRS, manufacturers and importers of notified products must test their

items, self-declare conformity to the relevant Indian Standard, and obtain a BIS

Registration (R) number. Only after this registration may they affix the BIS Standard Mark

with its unique 8-digit R-number on the product. In fact, government notifications explicitly

state that “no one shall manufacture, sell, import or distribute” covered electronics that do

not meet the Indian Standard or lack the BIS mark. In short, CRS is a mandatory

certification requirement for specified electronics/IT products, reflecting India’s

commitment to consumer protection and product quality.

Background and Legal Basis

The BIS CRS is governed by the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations. As BIS officials

note, the scheme operates under “Scheme–II, Schedule–II of BIS (Conformity Assessment)

Regulations, 2018”. The first Compulsory Registration Order was issued by the Department

of Electronics & IT (MeitY) in 2012, targeting an initial set of electronics such as games,

laptops, mobile phones, TVs, etc. These orders make it illegal to produce or sell the listed

products in India unless they conform to the notified IS/IEC standard and carry a valid BIS

Standard Mark with the R-number. Over time, the notified product list has expanded

(including additional electronic and IT goods, and even some solar and lighting

components under related ministries), but the core rule remains covered products must

be registered with BIS before entering the market.

Covered Products

CRS applies to dozens of electronic and IT categories. In total, roughly 75–80 product types

are “notified” under CRS. Major examples include mobile phones and tablets, laptops,

desktop PCs and peripherals (printers, scanners, keyboards, etc.), as well as

audio/video equipment (TVs, set-top boxes, amplifiers). Many power and lighting

devices are also listed: for instance, LED lamps and drivers, batteries and power banks,

UPS/Inverters, microwave ovens, etc. Other covered items include cameras/CCTV

systems, electronic clocks, adapters and chargers, and even certain renewable-energy

products like solar inverters (added by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy). In

practice, the CRS notification lists each IS standard and model range in detail, but in

simple terms any manufacturer of modern consumer electronics (e.g. phones, computers,

home appliances, lighting, etc.) should check CRS applicability before selling in India.

Who Must Register

CRS is mandatory for manufacturers and brand-owners of the notified products.

Specifically, any manufacturer (Indian or foreign) whose goods fall under a CRS

notification must obtain BIS registration. Importers and brand-holders must ensure

compliance too (foreign companies must appoint an Authorized Indian Representative to

handle BIS CRS registration. By contrast, distributors, retailers or traders cannot apply

directly – only the entity responsible for manufacturing or importing the product can

register. Importantly, each combination of factory location, brand name and product

model/variety require its own BIS certificate. In other words, every plant and model (and

brand) must file a separate CRS application. This means a large company with multiple

factories or product lines will hold multiple BIS-CRS licenses, one for each site/model as

needed.

Registration Process (Key Steps)

The BIS CRS registration process is fully online and follows a clear sequence. In outline:

1. Online Account & Application: The manufacturer (or AIR) first creates an account

on the BIS CRS portal and fills out the online registration form for the product. This

step generates login credentials and a draft application.

2. Laboratory Testing: The company must have the product tested at a BIS-

recognized laboratory. (For many items, this involves sending sample units to a

domestic lab on the official BIS list.) In the portal, the applicant generates a Test

Request and forwards the product(s) to the lab.

3. Submit Application: Once testing is complete, the applicant returns to the BIS

portal and uploads the test report along with other required documents. The

submission (application + reports + documents) must be filed within 90 days of

the test report date. Key documents include a Self-Declaration of Conformity to

the relevant Indian Standard, the official lab Test Report, proof of factory address

and scope, product specification/manual, and details of the authorized signatory.

4. BIS Scrutiny & Grant: BIS officials review the application, reports and documents.

If everything is in order, BIS grants the registration license, allowing the

manufacturer to use the BIS Standard Mark (with its unique “R” registration

number) on the product. (If there are deficiencies, BIS issues a notice to correct

them, otherwise the application is deemed rejected after a period.)

Typically, BIS aims to process a complete CRS application within about 20 working days.

The actual timeline can vary (delays often arise from testing time or documentation gaps),

but in normal cases companies can expect a few weeks for lab testing plus a few weeks for

BIS evaluation. One industry guide suggests a full CRS cycle often takes 4–8 weeks from

start to finish

License Validity and Renewal

A BIS CRS certificate is normally granted for a period of two years. Before expiry, the

licensee must apply for renewal (again through the online portal) if it wishes to continue

marketing the product. Renewal applications (with payment of fees and updated

documents) should be submitted well before expiry – typically within 90 days of the

certificate’s end date. If inspections during the initial term revealed no issues, the license

can be renewed for another term (commonly another 2 years, though BIS may allow longer

renewal terms if requested). If a renewal application (and fee) is not received in time, the

CRS license will lapse, and the product must stop carrying the BIS mark.

Why Compliance Matters

Complying with CRS is crucial for legal market access and consumer trust. Indian law

explicitly prohibits selling covered electronics that lack a valid BIS registration and

Standard Mark. Violating these rules can lead to enforcement action: authorities may

seize, or bar unregistered products and violators can face penalties under the BIS Act and

related laws. Conversely, a BIS registration signifies to consumers (and business partners)

that the product meets official safety and quality standards. As one analysis notes, the

CRS scheme is intended to give “momentum to the rapidly expanding electronics and IT

sectors” in India while “protecting consumers from spurious and substandard products”.

In practical terms, a CRS certificate not only avoids legal risk, but also builds market

credibility – an important selling point in a competitive industry.

In summary, the BIS Compulsory Registration Scheme is a mandatory regulatory

requirement for many electronic and IT goods in India. It involves self-declaration of

conformity, product testing at approved labs, and official registration to use the BIS

Standard Mark. Any manufacturer or importer of covered products should begin the CRS

process early (well before launch) to ensure uninterrupted market access. As experts in

regulatory compliance, we advise companies to carefully review the notified product list,

prepare complete documentation, and follow the BIS guidelines step-by-step. If you need

assistance navigating BIS CRS (or any related standards certification), our team can

provide guidance from testing through final registration to help your products reach the

Indian market smoothly.